Just like last year, this is going to be a good year for geeks. Fantastical films will be dominating the box office, and I couldn’t be more stoked. Although there are a lot of promising movies in the offing, these are my picks for the 10 must-see geeky films in 2014 (in chronological order). Click
here
to see the posters for (almost) all of these geeky movies.
Muppets Most Wanted
(March 21) Get ready for another magical wacky muppet adventure. Kermit is swapped with an evil criminal mastermind, and only his friends can save him. Star packed (can’t wait to see Tina Fey in all her Russian glory), this movie promises to live up to the Jim Henson standard.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
(March 21) This. Movie. Looks. Amazing! Action packed and political, The Winter Soldier will show why Captain America (Chris Evans) is a complete badass and all-American hero. And, as if Captain America wasn’t enough, The Falcon (Anthony Mackie) will be kicking butt along side him and the Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson). Comic and non-comic fans should mark their calendars for this one.
Amazing Spider-Man 2
(May 2) In the new installment of the new Spider-Man films, Spidey is set to face some highly anticipated villains, including Electro (Jamie Foxx) and The Rhino (Paul Giamatti). Plus the film already has fans abuzz after photos emerged of Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone) wearing a green jacket on set. Why is she wearing that jacket?! Ugh. Many suspect, but we’ll have to wait and see.
Godzilla
(May 16) The trailer for Godzilla is a movie in itself—simple, powerful, and terrifying. This is reassuring since the last few Godzilla films have fallen short. But there has been buzz surrounding Gareth Edwards’ Godzilla since last year’s marketing campaign at San Diego Comic-Con. Notably, this will be the biggest Godzilla to-date!
X-Men: Days of Future Past
(May 23) I haven’t been this excited for an X-Men movie . . . well, since they first started making the films. Days of Future Past is based off the comics of the same name, and for that reason alone, I am ecstatic, because they are great books. The X-Men must travel back in time to work with their younger selves to save their future. The storyline is interesting and fresh and is a welcome new addition to the long running franchise (which was starting to weaken).
Maleficent
(May 30) We all know the story of Sleeping Beauty, but what about the other side? Maleficent, starring Angelina Jolie, tells the untold story of one of Disney’s most iconic villains. The trailer is visually haunting and Jolie looks stunning. I cannot wait to learn more about Disney’s most loved and hated villain of all time.
Guardians of the Galaxy
(August 1) Undoubtedly Marvel’s most risky movie undertaking yet, I am beyond thrilled for a different take on the comic movie genre. Guardians of the Galaxy promises to be the most wacky and humorous comic book movie to-date (there is a raccoon hero!). This might make some moviegoers hesitant, but with a stellar cast (including Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Vin Diesel, and Bradley Cooper, to name just a few) under the direction of talented writer/director James Gunn, it’s sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
(August 8) If you watched cartoons in the ‘80 or ‘90s, you were likely a TMNT fan. Ahh yes, the early ‘90s were good years for TMNT fans (but let’s forget about the 2007 film, shall we?). Rejoice, because it looks like we can relive some of our favorite cowabunga moments with this up-and-coming new take on TMNT! (There better be pizza . . .)
Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1
(November 21) The epic series continues in the next installment of The Hunger Games. But, like other film franchises before it, they have decided to split the 3rd book into two movies. Fans seem pleased with this decision since the book covers a lot of ground. Mockingjay Part 1 finds Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence, like you didn’t know) at the heart of the rebellion, but only as a poster child. The drama and action should be worth the wait!
Hobbit: There and Back Again
(December 17) The final film in Peter Jackson’s trilogy based off The Hobbit, There and Back Again will not only reveal what happens with Smaug and Thorin’s party, but will also try to tie The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings together. Some might find this task daunting, but given Jackson’s track record, I’m guessing it will be brilliant. (And although I’ll be sad to see the series come to an end, there will always be the extended versions.)
geeklyreport@seattleweekly.com
